Selectively mobile exercise apparatus, methods and systems

ABSTRACT

Selectively mobile exercise apparatus which not only offers a dynamic air surface or hard non-dynamic surface. A set of mobility means, such as wheels with 360 degree free rotation in every direction, can be selectively engaged or disengaged depending on the level of mobility which the user desires and/or the exercises they wish perform. In addition to providing a selectively mobile balance trainer such exercise apparatus can have retractable handles which allows the user to engage or disengage such handles depending on the intended use of the selectively mobile exercise device. Such selectively mobile exercise apparatus can be used in combination with resistance bands, weights, medicine balls, and/or multiple such selectively mobile exercise apparatus to provide a multitude of exercise capability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/027,752 filed May 20, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Step aerobics is an exercise where a person steps on and off a slightly elevated platform and has long been an important form of exercise. Step aerobics provides a cardiovascular workout with minimal investment of equipment such that a wide spectrum of persons can enjoy this form of exercise. Although many people own and use a step aerobic platform, current exercise equipment that consist strictly of a raised platform is inadequate for the use of multiple muscles including balance and core training, for example.

Balance training devices and aerobic steppers have been around for years in different configurations. However, their shapes, the stationary nature, and utilization of materials have seriously limited the scope of exercises which can be performed. Not to mention, balance training devices have mainly focused on the convenient use of one side of the device and traditional aerobic steppers do not enable mobile exercises, have limited functionality, do not provide upper body exercises, and do not implement dynamic unstable surfaces.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A selectively mobile exercise apparatus can include a base, an inflatable bladder filled with a gas or fluid, and mobility means. The mobility means can include deployable and retractable wheels coupled to the base. The mobility means enables the selectively mobile exercise apparatus to be used in a first stationary state when the wheels are retracted into a bottom of the base and to be used in a second mobile state when the wheels are deployed from ii the bottom of the base.

The deployable and retractable wheels can be coupled to a handle. By rotating the handle the wheels can be rotated from their retracted position to their deployed position extending from a bottom of the base. The deployable and retractable wheels can be lockable in the deployed position where the wheels are rotated by the handle from a bottom of the base. The deployable and retractable wheels can be lockable in a retracted position where the wheels are rotated into a bottom of the base. The wheels can be locked into the retracted and/or deployed position by pressure applied to each handle to lock the wheels in the deployed and/or retracted position. The handles can be used for performing an exercise and the handles can also be used for deploying, retracting, and locking the wheels in their deployed and retracted positions.

The deployable mobility means can include two sets of wheels, each set of wheels coupled to a rotatable handle. A first set of wheels can be coupled to a first handle proximate a first end of the base and a second set of wheels can be coupled to a second handle proximate a second end of the base, the second end of the base being an opposite end to the first end of the base. Rotation of the first handle can deploy the first set of wheels, and rotation of the second handle can deploy the second set of wheels.

The inflatable bladder can create an unstable exercise surface filled with air or other gas or gel. The inflatable bladder is attached to the base around a periphery of the inflatable bladder. A peripheral ring can be used to attach a peripheral lip of the bladder to a corresponding connection surface of the base. Air pressure within the inflatable bladder can be deflated or inflated to change levels of difficulty. The inflatable bladder can include a port for adding air pressure or reducing air pressure within the inflatable bladder.

The selectively mobile exercise apparatus can include a pair of extendable and retractable handles disposed on opposing sides of the base. The pair of extendable and retractable handles can be configured to enable exercises using either the top or bottom of the selectively mobile exercise device. The pair of extendable and retractable handles can also be used to perform lift exercises by lifting the selectively mobile exercise apparatus. The pair of extendable and retractable handles can be retractable such that they are flat and continuous with the sides of the base in a retracted state.

The base can include release mechanisms, such as slidable tabs, for releasing the extendable and retractable handles from the retracted state and allowing the handles to lock into an extended state extending from opposing sides of the base. The extendable and retractable handles can be biased into the extendable and/or retracted state, such as by internal springs, bands, or other biasing mechanisms.

The base can include arches along the sides of the base to accommodate the use of resistance bands in conjunction with the selectively mobile exercise apparatus. The arches can include locating features or cutouts for securely anchoring an exercise band around a bottom of the base of the selectively mobile exercise device.

The selectively mobile exercise device can enable many different exercises. For example, the selectively mobile exercise device can enable exercises with the wheels deployed and with the wheels retracted. The selectively mobile exercise device can enable exercises with the side handles extended and exercises with the side handles retracted. Methods of exercising can include using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus to perform a first exercise using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus in a stationary configuration and perform a second exercise using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus in a mobile configuration. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus can be used to perform a first exercise with the wheels retracted within the base and the second exercise is performed wheels deployed from the base.

Exercises can be performed using multiple selectively mobile exercise apparatus. For example, a first selectively mobile exercise apparatus can be used in a stationary state and a second selectively mobile exercise apparatus is used in a mobile state. Moreover, resistance bands can be use to connect multiple selectively mobile exercise apparatus for creating tension between the two apparatus.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a selectively mobile exercise apparatus with wheels deployed, corresponding indicator extended, and handles extended;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus;

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate deployment of one side of the wheels by rotation of a first handle, deployment of the opposite wheels being performed in the same manner by rotating the corresponding second handle;

FIG. 5 illustrates the selectively mobile exercise apparatus including indicator tabs which extend outwards when the wheels are deployed and are retracted when the wheels are retracted;

FIG. 6 illustrates sliding tabs for releasing the side handles from there retracted and/or extended positions;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing examples of parts of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus;

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate various exercises, and many combinations of exercises, with the wheels deployed and retracted as well as with the handles deployed and retracted;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate use of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 with a medicine ball; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 further illustrate use of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus with resistance bands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to a selectively mobile exercise apparatus which offers a dynamic air surface as well as a hard non-dynamic surface. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus includes a set of mobility means, such as wheels, which can be selectively engaged or disengaged depending on the level of mobility which the user desires and/or the exercises they wish perform. What is also disclosed is a balance trainer, which has retractable handles, which allows the user to engage or disengage such handles depending on the intended use of the selectively mobile exercise device.

Referring to FIG. 1, a selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 includes a base 105, an inflatable bladder 115 filed with a gas or fluid, and mobility means including deployable and retractable wheels 110 coupled to the base 105.

The mobility means including the wheels 110 enables the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 to be used in a first stationary state when the wheels 100 are retracted into a bottom of the base 105, and in a second mobile state when the wheels 110 are deployed from the bottom of the base 105. The wheels 110 are freely rotatable in 360 degrees in every direction to enable a large range of exercises.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each pair of deployable and retractable wheels 110 are directly connected or coupled to a handle 125. The handles 125 and connected wheels are rotatably coupled to the base 105 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIG. 4, downward pressure applied to the handle 125 locks the handle 125 and wheels 110 in the deployed position. The handles 125 are usable for performing an exercise (e.g. see FIG. 8) and the handle 125 is used for deploying the retractable wheels as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the deployable mobility means includes two sets of wheels 110, each set of wheels 110 coupled to a respective rotatable handle 125. A first set of wheels 110 are coupled to a first handle 125 proximate a first end of the base 105 and a second set of wheels 110 is coupled to a second handle 125 proximate a second end of the base 105, the second end of the base 105 being an opposite end to the first end of the base. Rotation of the first handle 125 deploys the first set of wheels 110 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and rotation of the second handle 125 deploys the second set of wheels 110 in the same manner as the first set of wheels 110 and first handle 125.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 showing the inflatable bladder 115 along with extended handles 120. The inflatable bladder 115 creates an unstable surface filled with air or other gas or gel. Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 7, the inflatable bladder 115 can be attached to the base 105 around a periphery of the inflatable bladder 115 by a compression ring 150 conforming to an outer periphery and lip of the inflatable bladder 115. Air pressure within the inflatable bladder 115 can be deflated or inflated to change levels of difficulty by varying the level of instability or stability.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 further includes a pair of extendable and retractable handles 120 disposed on opposite sides of the base 105. The pair of extendable and retractable handles 120 are configured to enable exercises using either the top or bottom of the selectively mobile exercise device 100. The pair of extendable and retractable handles 120 are retractable such that they are flat and continuous with the sides of the base 105 in a retracted state. Referring to FIG. 6 on the left, the base includes release mechanisms in the form of slidable tabs 130 for releasing the extendable and retractable handles 120 from the retracted and extended states and allowing the handles to lock into the retracted or extended states. The extendable handles 120 can be biased by a spring to automatically retract upon sliding the release mechanism tabs 130, for example.

Referring to FIG. 5, the base 105 includes arches including band locating cutouts 140 along the sides of the base 105 to accommodate the use of resistance bands (e.g. see FIG. 13) in conjunction with the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 8-14, many different examples of exercises are illustrated using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100. A method of exercising can include any combination of exercises as illustrated, as well as additional exercises not shown such as pushups with the apparatus right-side-up or up-side down, lifting the selectively mobile apparatus, and other exercises using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100. For example, a first exercise can be performed using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 in a stationary configuration with the wheels 110 retracted. Next, the handles 125 can be rotated and the wheels 110 deployed to perform a second exercise using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 in a mobile configuration. The method of exercising can include a first exercise performed with the wheels 110 retracted within the base 105 and a second exercise performed wheels deployed from the base 105.

An exercise system can include two or more selectively mobile exercise apparatuses. For example, a first selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can be used in a stationary state and a second selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can be used in a mobile state.

As previously discussed, and illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can further include the unstable surface 115 filled with air or other gas or gel. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can include a plurality of handles 125 and 120 and/or grab points. The plurality of handles 120 and 125 allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top, or bottom, of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100. The base 105 can include cutouts 140 and arches to accommodate the use of accessories or resistance bands in conjunction with the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100. The base 105 can include the cutouts 140 and/or holes (not shown) to allow for the addition of various accessories to enhance specific muscle and strength regions.

The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can include a scannable code on a ii side or surface of the base 105 which allows the user to access a readable computer app or website and access different exercises, training instruction, and/or tips for use.

The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can be used with varying height blocks (not shown) to increase or decrease levels of difficulties. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can be used in both a flat and angled position with addition of height and angle adjusting blocks.

The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can further include an accessory in the form of a push bar that allows for the apparatus 100 to be pushed across multiple surfaces for ease of movement and exercise. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can include a grip pattern on both the top and/or bottom surface for ease and safety of use in multiple positions. For example, a bottom surface of the base 105 can include portions for standing upon the base of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 with the inflated bladder 115 against the ground to create an instable surface for exercises.

The bladder 115 can include antimicrobial and UV agents impregnated into material of the bladder 115 to stop bacteria growth and material degradation. Some examples of dimensions of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 can be about 15 inches in width, 26 inches in length, and 9 inches in height without the wheels deployed. Other dimensions are appropriate and such dimensions are non-limiting examples as discussed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 8-14 various combinations of exercises are shown. FIG. 8 illustrates the use of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 for a step exercise with the wheels 110 retracted in addition to a pushup exercise with the wheels deployed and the bladder facing downward using the handles 125 for the pushup exercise. FIG. 9 illustrates the use of ii the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 with a lunging exercise with the wheels 110 deployed as well as a medicine ball exercise with the wheels 110 retracted. FIG. 10 illustrates a sitting medicine ball exercise with the wheels 110 deployed and handle 120 extended. FIG. 11 illustrates an exercise using the wheels 110 in the deployed position and the hands firmly on the ground. FIG. 12 illustrates additional exercises with the selectively mobile exercise apparatus 100 with the wheels 110 deployed. FIG. 13 illustrates example of using resistance bands 155 with the selective mobile apparatus 100 with both the wheels deployed and retracted. FIG. 14 illustrates a combination of exercises, one using the handles 120 for a mobile pushup exercise and another exercise using resistance bands 155.

One skilled in the art will appreciate in view of this disclosure that, for this and other apparatus, systems, processes and methods disclosed herein, the elements, components, and steps may be implemented in differing order. Moreover, the structures of apparatus may be reorganized or variated to accomplish a given feature or function. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It is understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, quadrants, thirds, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A selectively mobile exercise apparatus, comprising: a base; an inflatable bladder filled with a gas or fluid, the inflatable bladder connected to a top of the base; and mobility means including deployable and retractable wheels coupled to the base.
 2. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mobility means enables the selectively mobile exercise apparatus to be used in a first stationary state when the wheels are retracted into a bottom of the base and in a second mobile state when the wheels are deployed from the bottom of the base.
 3. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deployable and retractable wheels are coupled to a handle and rotatable along with the handle.
 4. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein pressure applied to the handle locks the wheels in the deployed position.
 5. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the handle is usable for performing an exercise and the handle is used for deploying the retractable wheels from the base of the selectively mobile exercise apparatus.
 6. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deployable mobility means includes two sets of wheels, each set of wheels coupled to a corresponding rotatable handle.
 7. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising visual indicators that the wheels are deployed.
 8. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 7, the visual indicators being tabs that protrude from the base when the handle is rotated to deploy the wheels such that the visual indicators are visible from above the base, the visual indicators being withdrawn within the base when the handles are rotated to retract the wheels.
 9. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a first set of wheels are coupled to a first handle proximate a first end of the base and a second set of wheels are coupled to a second handle proximate a second end of the base, the second end of the base being an opposite end to the first end of the base and each wheel being rotatable in every direction.
 10. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein rotation of the first handle deploys the first set of wheels and rotation of the second handle deploys the second set of wheels.
 11. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder creates an unstable surface filled with air or other gas or gel.
 12. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is attached to the base around a periphery of the inflatable bladder.
 13. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, the inflatable bladder including a port, wherein air pressure within the inflatable bladder can be deflated or inflated using the port to change a level of instability.
 14. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of extendable and retractable handles disposed on opposite sides of the base.
 15. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the pair of extendable and retractable handles are configured to enable exercises using either the top or bottom of the selectively mobile exercise device.
 16. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the pair of extendable and retractable handles are flat and continuous with the sides of the base in a retracted state.
 17. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the base includes release mechanisms for releasing the extendable and retractable handles from the retracted state and allowing the handles to lock into an extended state, the handles extending from opposing sides of the base in the extended state.
 18. The selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, the base including arches along the sides of the base and notches in the arches to accommodate the use of resistance bands in conjunction with the selectively mobile exercise apparatus.
 19. A method of exercising comprising using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus according to claim 1, the method comprising: performing a first exercise using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus in a stationary configuration; deploying the wheels from the base; and performing a second exercise using the selectively mobile exercise apparatus in a mobile configuration, wherein the first exercise is performed with the wheels retracted within the base and the second exercise is performed with the wheels deployed beneath the base.
 20. A selectively mobile exercise apparatus, comprising: a base; an inflatable bladder filled with a gas or fluid, the inflatable bladder connected to a top of the base; and a first set of deployable and retractable wheels coupled to the base, the first set of deployable and retractable wheels being disposed at a first end of the base and coupled to a first handle, wherein rotation of the first handle rotates the first set of deployable and retractable wheels from a retracted position of the first set of deployable and retractable wheels within the base to a deployed position of the first set of deployable and retractable wheels extending from a bottom of the base proximate the first end of the base; and a second set of deployable and retractable wheels coupled to the base, the second set of deployable and retractable wheels being disposed proximate a second end of the base and coupled to a second handle, wherein rotation of the second handle rotates the second set of deployable and retractable wheels from a retracted position of the second set of deployable and retractable wheels within the base to a deployed position of the second set of deployable and retractable wheels extending from the bottom of the base proximate to the second end of the base. 